HOW YOU CAN GIVE NHS A HELPING HAND

THE Daily Mail and the charity Helpforce invite you to join our Christmas campaign by giving some of your time in 2019 as a volunteer for the NHS. Here, we explain all you need to know...

WILL I BE EXPECTED TO START THIS CHRISTMAS?

THE simple answer is no. If you join our campaign, you will start volunteering some time in 2019. Once Helpforce has put your NHS organisation in touch with you, it can take up to three months – and in some cases six – before you start, because of the necessary checks and training that have to be carried out.

WHY DOES THE NHS NEED VOLUNTEERS?

VOLUNTEERS can help provide better experiences for patients, and freeup time for healthcare workers to focus on delivering the incredible work they’ve been trained to do.

And while there are thousands of volunteers carrying out vital work in the NHS, there is more we can do. The Join The Hospital Helpforce campaign aims to harness the power of dedicated volunteers to create a more compassionate care system.

ARE VOLUNTEERS REPLACING STAFF ROLES?

NO – they provide extra help that wouldn’t be covered by a staff role. NHS Trusts need volunteers as they provide a valuable support role to busy staff and to patients who are going through a difficult time. Volunteers can make the difference to someone’s day by providing simple but significant support.

WHAT’S THE MINIMUM I HAVE TO COMMIT TO?

HELPFORCE is asking for volunteers to commit to at least three consecutive hours a week for six months, or one day a month for six months.

The minimum age is 16 but some NHS organisations are not able to take volunteers until they are 18 due to their own policies.

Youth groups #iwill and the Pears Foundation are together aiming to increase the number of volunteering opportunities for young people – visit iwill.org.uk for details.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

VISIT hospitalhelpforce.com and fill in the pledge form.

Once you’ve completed it, you should hear back immediately with a thank you email, then again by February once Helpforce has matched you with an NHS organisation.

If you don’t, please go to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website.

WHAT TRAINING WILL I GET?

TRAINING varies between NHS organisations and the role you are taking up. But all of it will help keep you safe and give you the skills to make you feel confident when volunteering on a busy ward with staff and patients.

Training typically includes some or all of the following elements: health and safety, fire training, equality and diversity, safeguarding, conflict resolution, information governance and infection control.

WHAT DO THEY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ME?

ONCE you have been matched to an NHS organisation, you will be asked to meet its volunteer co-ordinator.

They will want to find out more about you – your experience, interests and motivation to volunteer – and you will have health and criminal record checks. You may also be required to provide a reference.

IS THERE A DEADLINE?

YOU can choose to volunteer for the NHS at any time, but this campaign is being supported during December and will close at the start of January.

If it isn’t a good time for you to volunteer but you may want to in the future, you can get in touch with your local hospital or other NHS organisation at a later date. You can also look at volunteering opportunities at do-it.org.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

GO to the Frequently Asked Questions web page (hospitalhelpforce.com/faqs). The ‘Need Help?’ icon will link you to one of Helpforce’s ambassadors who will be happy to help.

CAN I GIVE ANYTHING OTHER THAN TIME?

YOU can donate to Helpforce – the charity will use all of the money raised to help support hospitals in the creation of new volunteering roles and bring more volunteers to their wards.

There are two ways you can donate: via the donate button at hospitalhelpforce.com, or by sending a cheque.

Please make it payable to Helpforce Community Trust, and post it to: Helpforce S90, South Wing, Somerset House, The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA.